HomeNewsBrewers submit ‘Expression of Interest’ to government to develop brewing apprenticeship standard

Brewers submit ‘Expression of Interest’ to government to develop brewing apprenticeship standard

Brigid Simmonds: BBPA chief executive

05/04/2017 - 09:48

A group of ten brewers have submitted an ‘Expression of Interest’ to government outlining the intention to develop a new brewing apprenticeship standard, as the Apprenticeship Levy is due to start operating tomorrow, April 6th.

Kris Gumbrell, chief executive of Brewhouse and Kitchen, said: “Training and apprenticeships in our industry are vital to our continued success.

“The creation of a brewing apprenticeship standard will help us continue to provide high-quality training opportunities for current and future employees, whilst also giving breweries access to a skilled workforce from their investment in the levy.”

The apprenticeship ‘Trailblazer’, chaired by Gumbrell, consists of over ten industry employers and stakeholders and is being formed to develop the new standard, which is anticipated to take around one year.

The move has gained the support of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), and the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD).

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive said: “The upcoming Apprenticeship Levy will see all those with a pay bill exceeding £3 million contribute, and the brewing sector will be affected, so it’s great to have been involved in helping to set up this ‘Trailblazer’ and work together to shape out future training needs.”

The BBPA has asked brewers to give their views and demonstrate their support for the new standard, which brewers can do here.